Myocardial infarction or MI is the medical term for heart attack, which damages the heart permanently. A heart attack occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle, which happens when the coronary arteries that carry the blood are narrowed by a build up of plaque (deposits of fat, calcium, proteins, etc.) and the plaque bursts forming blood clots that block the arteries. Complete blockage of the artery will stop the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, causing vital cells of the heart muscle to die.
After myocardial infarction, the heart will heal gradually forming a scar in the damaged part. However, this scar tissue is not capable of contracting or pumping blood so a myocardial infarction permanently weakens the heart as it decreases the its ability do its work.
Symptoms of myocardial infarction include:
* Chest pains, discomfort or heaviness
* Searing discomfort in the jaw, throat, arm or back
* A feeling of choking, fullness or indigestion (similar to heartburn)
* Sweating, vomiting, nausea or dizziness
* Feeling extremely weak
* Severe anxiety
* Shortness of breath
* Irregular or rapid heartbeats
These symptoms may last for 30 minutes or, sometimes, longer and oral taking a rest or oral medications will not be able to relieve them. In some cases, usually among diabetes patients, myocardial infarction is “silent” or has no symptoms.
Quick treatment of myocardial infarction is crucial. The blocked artery must be opened to reduce the extent of damage and increase the chance of survival and this should be done within 1 to 2 hours of the time the symptoms started. At the onset of myocardial infarction, call 911 or other emergency medical help.
It is important to note that “chest discomfort” sometimes manifest itself in other areas of the body aside from the chest such as in the back, arms or jaw. Seek medical assistance immediately once you feel any of the symptoms above.
The treatment of myocardial infarction begins as soon as you get to the hospital emergency room or a medical emergency team reaches the patient. Treatment includes medications and surgery. The patient may also undergo a bypass surgery to restore the blood flow to the heart.
However, these treatments are not “cures”, which means it does not eliminate the possibility of another heart attack. After a heart attack, the primary goal is to avoid another one from happening. Preventing a future incidence of myocardial infarction can best be done by taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, changes in lifestyle and regularly seeing the doctor for a heart checkup.